A Top Ranked City to Live, Work, and Play!
READY TO LEARN MORE? Client Care 208.219.7683
Let's get started
Search All Southern Idaho
About Boise National Accolades Top Ten Reasons To Love Boise Things To Do Christmas/ Holiday Guide Cost of Living Famous People Fun Facts
We’re 96% sure it is!
Four Seasons Create Year-Round Outdoor Enjoyment Summers are sunny and hot, letting everyone enjoy the nearby rivers and lakes. Fall is colorful with warm days and cool evenings. Winters are cold, which means it's time to play at the local ski hill, Bogus Basin. Spring starts in March as we watch the flowers and trees bloom. We aren't called the City of Trees for nothing!
The Terrain Offers Amazing Perspectives Treasure Valley includes a wide variety of landscapes including waterscapes like Boise River, Snake River, and Payette River. There is also a multitude of areas like deserts, foothills, mountains, cliffs, canyons, and natural spectacles. We also enjoy square hundreds of square miles of open space, public lands, National Forests, and nature preserves.
An Abundance of Culture At any time, there are plenty of things to do: Ballet Idaho, Shakespeare, and local theatre, philharmonic orchestras, and independent movies for those seeking the fine arts. Enjoy music festivals, fairs, farmers' markets, and other community events throughout the year. There is also local history everywhere including Basque Block, Fort Boise, Idaho State Capitol, and multiple museums.
It's About Time for your Move Enjoy where you live! We enjoy over 200 days of sunny weather. The average commute time is about 30 minutes. Our incredible quality of life has attracted a thriving mix of people, maintaining a friendly vibe, which has helped us become nationally recognized as a great place to live, work, and play.
If you are not from Boise, you may be wondering what the fuss is all about. We are well-known for our potatoes. Also, you have most likely heard about the Boise State University football team, arguably one of the most discussed teams in the country. Based on their accomplishments both on and off the field; Bronco football is a way of life here. Their famous blue turf, appropriately deemed the “Smurf Turf,” has generated national attention, both for its color and for the unsurpassed record number of wins the Broncos have established when playing at home. However, Boise is so much more than potatoes and a blue field. Boise has also received endless recognition from major media sources, garnering a nomination as Best Place to Live, Work, and Play, in comparison with other cities around the country. Read on to learn about the many facets that make Boise a beautiful, dynamic, and desirable place to live.
Visitors will enjoy all the city and area have to offer from numerous cultural events including the philharmonic orchestra, opera, ballet, and theater companies to the Boise summer Shakespeare festival that features outdoor performances along the Boise River. The Gene Harris Jazz Festival and Art in the Park continue to be favorites among both Boise locals and visitors. In addition, there are plenty of museums and attractions to educate and entertain all ages.
Culture and entertainment mix nicely with the area's abundant outdoor recreation. Summer brings plenty of sunshine, perfect for biking or walking along Boise's 25-mile Greenbelt or a round of golf at one of the area's 20 beautiful courses. For those who like a bit more adventure, try mountain biking in Boise's foothills, floating the Boise River on an inflatable raft or tube, or whitewater rafting on the Payette River—just 45 minutes north of the city. In the winter, spend the day (or night) skiing or snowboarding at Bogus Basin Mountain Resort groomed downhill trails. Boise's indoor ice-skating rink is open year-round. Sports fans can enjoy Boise's variety of athletic events, including Idaho Steelheads ECHL professional hockey, Boise Hawks minor league baseball, Twilight Criterium bicycle racing, and more. Our rare blend of urban amenities and outdoor recreation opportunities offers something for everyone.
Idaho has long been recognized as a place with happy people who are down to earth and glad to help others. We open doors for people and look them in the eye to say hello. We don't know any other way.
National Rankings
Short Commute = More Time for Yourself The average commute time is about 25 minutes and you can get across the valley in about 40 minutes.
It's Obvious Ask around and you will find a lot of people have migrated here, possibly some of your friends have already. But ask anyone if they want to leave and you'll probably get the same answer. See how where you live compares.
Think it's just potato fields and forests? When the pioneers arrived they realized that the diverse landscape—from the valley to the mountains—was a special place. They enjoyed the natural resources and weather just like we do. Over the years, it is the amazing people with a pioneering spirit that have created this beautiful and dynamic city. We love our city and love to brag that in a day we can ski, fish, hike, bike, and fit in a few hours at work!
Crime Rates of Similar Sized Towns
Boise, ID - 244 Tucson, AZ- 494 Honolulu, HI- 334 Tulsa, OK- 588
per 10k source: US News
Are you looking for more country or more urban?
Why is Idaho such a happy state?
source: MSN
The diversity of the land creates choices to define what you want out of where you live. Do you prefer to be in the middle of it all, far from everything or somewhere in between?
While Boise real estate is hot and homes are selling fast, it is still a competitive market. In 2017 there were over 350 communities that sold new homes and 160 builders competing for your business.
The Treasure Valley is where the Payette, Boise, Weiser, Malheur, Owyhee, and Burnt rivers drain into the Snake River. It includes all the lowland areas from Vale in rural eastern Oregon to Boise and is the most populated area in Idaho.
Historically, the valley had been known as the Lower Snake River Valley or the Boise River Valley. Pete Olesen, president of the valley's association of local Chambers of Commerce, coined the name "Treasure Valley" in 1959 to reflect the treasure chest of resources and opportunities that the region offered.
Calling all entrepreneurs and CEO's
Boise’s blend of urban savvy, proximity to nature and entrepreneurial streak means the city—one of the 20 fastest-growing in the U.S.—won’t stay unsung for long. Wine Enthusiasts Network
Boise’s blend of urban savvy, proximity to nature and entrepreneurial streak means the city—one of the 20 fastest-growing in the U.S.—won’t stay unsung for long.
Wine Enthusiasts Network
The economy is a diverse blend of agriculture, light manufacturing, high-tech, sales, and other opportunities you would expect in a growing city. Many of the national retail and service brands are coming to the area and looking for quality staff and management.
We have jobs! In 2018, ten thousand jobs were created and the unemployment rate hovered around 3%
Boise functions as a hub for many industries. It has long served as a trading and financial capital for logging, mining, livestock, and farming. Most recently, a growing technology sector has powered Boise's economy, led by Micron Technology Inc., a memory chip manufacturer. HP Inc. and Hewlett Packard Enterprise have offices in Boise's western suburbs. Other companies, like Clearwater Analytics, Bodybuilding.com, and Cradlepoint, are headquartered in Boise, too.
Boise is also recognized for having a strong entrepreneurial spirit as well as many successful small businesses.
Boise Weather
Every day is beautiful in Idaho!
We enjoy four seasons and all that comes with each one. You may have a favorite but we enjoy all of them.
Boise, Idaho averages 12 inches of rain and 31 inches of snow per year.
And we have fantastic clouds creating amazing sunrises and sunsets stretching across the valley skies all the time!
During the late summer months, keep your eye out for huckleberries. But keep in mind, there is a reason we call it "huckleberry hunting" instead of huckleberry picking. The huckleberry was made the official state fruit in 2000. The huckleberry can now be found in jams, honey, chocolates, BBQ sauces, and even less conventional products like fry sauce, body lotions, and huckleberry vodka.
Click to view full-size map
Search Homes for Sale on the Boise River Greenbelt
Most people did not know about Boise, Idaho until about 20 years ago when the capital city and largest city in Idaho started consistently making the nation's list of top places to live, work, and play. People started noticing businesses like Micron and HP as major innovators and the Boise State Broncos football team started winning games on the national stage in style.
There are many reasons people move to Boise from jobs to family, but one theme everyone mentions is the lifestyle. Spend a week exploring the Treasure Valley and you will find this is a place you can feel safe living in and raising a family and is also an affordable place. Located along the Boise River and nestled against foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boise offers many outdoor activities to local residents, from skiing at Bogus Basin Ski Resort to biking on the Boise River Greenbelt to boating at any of the nearby reservoirs (Lucky Peak, Arrowrock Reservoir, Anderson Ranch Reservoir, CJ Strike, Black Sands Reservoir, Lake Owyhee, Cascade Lake, Brownlee Reservoir and Payette Lake).
This trail system runs throughout the foothills above Boise and even spans out to Hidden Springs and Avimor communities. This interconnected network of trails bridges parks, streets, and neighborhoods with public access to the Boise natural environment. There are over 190 miles of trails for all abilities for biking and hiking. As you explore, notice the diverse trails, plants and animals, imagine our community without this unique treasure. Help protect and care for this special place!
View on Google Maps
Where The Wild West meets Renaissance
Get Your Tickets!
On the Lighter Side Boise has several comedy clubs and Karaoke bars in addition to community events for all tastes and interests.
Festivals and annual traditions.
See what to do in Boise
The City of Trees is home to the largest community of Basque people outside their native area of northern Spain/southern France, and their heritage is preserved and celebrated at The Basque Museum and Cultural Center at 6th and Grove. Their hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10 am-4 pm, Saturdays 11 am-3 pm. Call first to be sure they're open at 208-343-2671. There are also several Basque restaurants in town! In fact, Boise's sister city is Guernica (pronounced GER-NEE-KA) in the Basque county in Spain. There is a restaurant in the Basque Block in Boise called Bar Guernica, and there is a restaurant named Bar Boise in Guernica. Every 7 years is the festival of Jaialdi, which is a celebration of Basque culture, heritage, food, music, and art. It is a draw for Basque people from across the country and from Europe.
Learn more about the Best Boise Nightlife Hotspots
Stroll to more than 100 shops, 80 restaurants and a number of microbreweries and lively nightlife venues.
We work hard during the day so when night and weekends come, it is time to relax, unwind or just chill.
Boise Bike Bar Ever seen a 14-person pedal-powered bike bar. Fear not, someone else is doing the steering. (Keep in mind, it's BYOB!)
The Idaho wine industry has been a steadily growing community for the last 30 years; from the quiet hillsides of Boise to the scenic Caldwell, Idaho landscape. Idaho wines are receiving national acclaim and have been remarkably growing over the past decade. Idaho is home to more than 50 wineries, over 1,200 acres of vineyards with more on the horizon. You’re invited to experience the remarkable vineyards and wines by scheduling tours, group and private tastings, or by jumping on a bus with other wine enthusiasts to tour vineyards.
Top Wineries to Visit
Review Full List
Idaho grows roughly one-third of the U.S. potato crop. The Idaho Potato industry accounts for more than 15% of the state's gross state product. In 2008, an estimated 300,000 acres of Idaho Potatoes were harvested - about 11 billion pounds of potatoes. That's enough potatoes to fill 500 NFL football fields.
Desert, Foothills, Mountains, Valleys & Canyons. Vistas, Horizons, Panoramas, and so much more!
Go forth and explore! One of the greatest things about the Treasure Valley is the vast space it encompasses and for that reason; if you have an open mind, there are endless photo opportunities.
Notable Sights & Landmarks
The Idaho State Parks Passport
View Map
*Table Rock is the most popular destination for scenic views of the valley. You can hike to the top in about an hour from from the Old Idaho Penitentiary or you can drive to the top and it is just a short walk to the rim.